Physiology, Genetics, and Breeding Strategies for Improving Anaerobic Germinability Under Flooding Stress in Rice

Anaerobic germination (AG) is a pivotal trait for successful direct-seeded rice cultivation, encompassing rainfed and irrigated conditions. Elite rice cultivars are often vulnerable to flooding during germination, resulting in poor crop establishment. This drawback has led to the exploration of AG-tolerant rice landraces, which offer valuable insights into the genetic underpinnings of AG tolerance. Over the years, substantial progress has been made in identifying significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with AG tolerance, forming the basis for targeted breeding efforts. However, the intricate gene regulatory network governing AG tolerance remains enigmatic. This comprehensive review presents recent advances in understanding the physiological and genetic mechanisms underlying AG tolerance. It focuses on their practical implications in breeding elite rice cultivars tailored for direct-seeding systems.